From the Head of Primary 30.01.2021

The amount of screen time that our children are exposed to can sometimes be a concern. The fact of the matter is that at the moment children across the world are having to attend remote learning on line which is of course adding to that amount of screen time. Where possible, it is crucial to have them away from devices – to play board games, read a book, meditate or go for a walk. I have recently been working on some self-explanatory top tips for parents who might be looking for some advice in this area. In the next couple of weeks I would like to arrange an online coffee morning where we can come together and share our useful experiences as parents and educators. In the meantime here is some information taken from Family Zone who have some useful advice on digital parenting.

Talk to your children

Research tells us that this is the single most important thing that parents can do. Ongoing open-ended conversations about what children are doing online is just as important as keeping up to date with their activities off line.

Educate yourself

Maybe you don’t understand how Snapchat works (neither do I) but try to make it a habit to seek out news about online trends and the latest games and apps.  Sit alongside your children and play an online game or interact on social media. You never know you might like it!

Use parental controls

Allowing your children to have free-range on the internet isn’t responsible parenting. Of course you trust your children but do you trust the billions of other people who are out there on line?

Set ground rules

The experts tell us to agree a digital contract with our children. We need to be clear about what is and what isn’t acceptable use. Passwords, downloads, in-app purchases and streaming expectations need to be clear.

Explore, share and celebrate

Look for and join in with the positives of the online world. Has your child completed a new level on a difficult game or created something incredible on Minecraft? Celebrate in the way that you would any other achievements.

Be a good role model

Do you read emails or text at the dinner table? Do you ignore others because you are engrossed with something on line? I know that this is something that I am often guilt of. Model the behaviours that you expect from your children.

I’ll be in touch after the Parent/Teacher meetings with a date for an online digital parenting coffee morning.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Mrs Joanne Smith

Head of Primary